Close-ups
Framed and on the wall
Frame and rooms are illustrations of how the print could look; the description says what is included.
Large Antique Educational Poster of European Beetles and Larvae, c.1880
$650 (£490, €580)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- 1880
- Size
- 33.1 × 25.6 in (84 × 65 cm)
- Condition
- Good. Overall good for its age. Strong paper with vivid coloration. Minor edge wear and some light browning and water staining at the top margin, not affecting the central image area. Suitable for framing as is or with gentle conservation mounting.
- Period
- Late 19th century
- Section
- Insects and butterflies
- Reference
- f_45658462
- Colour
- Hand coloured
What the condition grades mean
- Excellent
- Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
- Very good
- Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
- Good
- Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
- Fair
- Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Large Antique Educational Poster of European Beetles and Larvae, c.1900
Description:
This large antique educational entomology poster depicts a fascinating array of beetles and their developmental stages, published circa 1900 by Carl Gerold's Sohn in Vienna as part of a detailed zoological teaching series. The lithograph is an impressive display piece for natural history collectors, science teachers, or interior decorators seeking a unique vintage accent.
The plate shows beautifully hand-colored illustrations of numerous beetle species found in Europe, each with precise scientific accuracy. Species depicted include the stag beetle (Lucanus cervus) with its characteristic large mandibles; the green ground beetle (Carabus auratus); rose chafer (Cetonia aurata); and various longhorn and carrion beetles. The poster also details larvae and pupae stages of these insects, illustrating their life cycles. Among the labelled specimens are:
152 stag beetle Lucanus cervus
150 cockchafer Melolontha melolontha
151 rose chafer Cetonia aurata
153 ground beetle species
154 ground beetle Carabus auratus
155 checkered beetle Cleridae species
156 darkling beetle Tenebrionidae species
157 stages of carrion beetle Silphidae species
158 green beetle Carabus auratus or similar
These educational prints were used in schools and universities to teach zoology, entomology, and comparative anatomy, and today they remain prized for their clarity, scientific value, and decorative impact.
Condition:
Overall good for its age. Strong paper with vivid coloration. Minor edge wear and some light browning and water staining at the top margin, not affecting the central image area. Suitable for framing as is or with gentle conservation mounting if desired.
Framing tips:
Due to its large poster format, consider framing with a thin dark wood or black metal frame to enhance its scientific character. Use a neutral mount to keep the focus on the vibrant beetle illustrations. Display in natural history-inspired interiors, libraries, offices, or educational settings to create an authentic vintage academic aesthetic.
